Hari Om! Parents,
It was great to see our students after the summer break, and welcome new faces to our class. We started with a couple of activities to break the ice, and learn more about one another. We have a class of tennis, volleyball athletes, teachers, a pianist, and a black belt - so Dyanada's answer will always be right! :) Our favorite superpower is Telekinesis (to turn off the light switch – what!?!) And we all agreed that there is a LOT we would have changed in the Mahabharata if we had the shot… we will be exploring that further next week.
Our discussion in the first class was on two topics in the context of high school life:
1. Freedom vs. Indulgence
What is Freedom? Sharing our thoughts on what bridles our freedom, we agreed that it is not always external forces. Unrestrained indulgence is not freedom, but in fact the opposite. Here, one has become a slave to his/her mind. Examples of social media overuse and lack of time management were raised by the students. Without check it leads to disaster. Self-restraint leads to lasting pleasure. Disciplined enjoyment and self-restraint is freedom.
"Not to do what you feel like doing is freedom." – Swami Chinmayananda
2. Standard of Living vs. Standard of Life
In spite of advances that have brought immense comforts to our daily lives, it does not appear to have translated to an increase in our enduring happiness. Debating if that is true, the group agreed that the mental state of individuals is not discernibly better off today just because of these advances. This brought us to the idea that Happiness is a state of mind – if the mind is agitated, one is unhappy – if the mind is tranquil, one is happy. Certainly a logical idea, but is it practical? With all the responsibilities, expectations and competition we have to navigate?
Human beings have the capacity to quieten our minds to experience peace in any situation, while facing any challenge. How do we do this?
Role of Religion
To tune the mind-intellect equipment, religion provides the guiding framework consisting of three disciplines:
1. Self-control - Brahmacharya
2. Non-injury - Ahimsa
3. Truthfulness - Satyam
Practicing these three tenets without compromise unlocks the secret to enduring happiness. Our scriptures teach us both the 'why' and the 'how' behind them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna clearly explains these two limbs of religion
- Philosophy: Theory of Religion - addressing the why
- Practical Implementation: The dos (rituals) - addressing the how
We need both. Philosophy without practice is empty talk. Rituals without understanding significance is action without purpose - it will not bear the intended result. The Gita delivers both, which is why it is called the Manual of Life.
In closing, we talked about ignoring incorrect interpretation of our religion as dogmatic, and requiring conformance to outdated and illogical rules. That is blatantly wrong. Our scriptures shed light on the path to liberation. It is our choice to read, question, debate, and understand or not. Not only in religious studies, but in any discipline, if we discard that which we do not understand, we lose the opportunity to grow. In our classes this year we will learn and practice how to be seekers. It is a lifelong pursuit, and scriptures hold our hand, leading us gently forward in this journey.
"Help will always be given at Hogwarts, Harry, to those who ask for it." - Albus Dumbledore
Arjuna asked and Lord Krishna answered.
Looking forward to a fun year!
Aruna and Sirisha
